With Kate and William’s anniversary upon us I thought it would be nice to take a look back to 2011 and Kate’s wedding gowns. Five years ago tonight many of us were setting alarms for an early start the next morning, while Kate and the rest of the Middletons were at London’s Goring Hotel.
We first saw Kate in the Queen’s Bentley, on her way to Westminster Abbey with her father, Michael Middleton.
In this photo it almost looked like Kate was having a few ‘cleansing breaths,’ although she actually appeared very calm and composed the entire day.
The train on Kate’s gown was just under nine feet. That expanse of fabric was well handled by Maid of Honour Pippa Middleton.
A wave and a smile.
Final adjustments.
A better look at precisely what Sarah Burton is arranging.
Michael Middleton’s face spoke volumes.
This offers a nice look at the Cartier ‘Halo’ tiara. Kate’s silk tulle veil was embroidered by the craftspeople at the Royal School of Needlework, based at Hampton Court Palace. (The majority of the lace was made in France at the historic Sophie Hallette factory, then affixed to the dress by Royal School personnel.)
The expression on William’s face is dear. 
A shared smile before heading up the aisle.
There must have been some relief at this point for the newlyweds, knowing the first of the day’s big events was behind them.
Kate was radiant.
The younger members of the wedding party arriving at Buckingham Palace.
Another look at the train.
The receiving line.
The long-awaited appearance on the Palace’s iconic balcony.
Most enjoyed the military flypast.
But little Grace van Cutsem was underwhelmed.
A breeze lifted Kate’s veil as she returned inside, it looked very pretty in the video clips.
Later that afternoon it was time for a royal version of the “Just Married” drive.
©Kelvin Bruce / Nunn Syndication / Polaris
That evening there was a private reception for families and friends.
The Duchess was in a second gown by Sarah Burton.
This is a photo I hadn’t previously seen, it seems to do a good job summing up the day.
This BBC clip runs about 3:40.
And this 8-minute video was tweeted by Kensington Palace this morning.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge make their vows in front of 1,900 wedding guests @wabbeyhttps://t.co/YK7ScGLiqU
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) April 29, 2016
We will see you with another tour post this weekend.
LINKAGE:
- The full program and Order of Service can be seen here
- The Telegraph has a nifty piece about Sophie Hallette, the French lacemakers who created Kate’s lace; Vogue has a shorter piece about the lace here
- The Telegraph has a photo gallery looking back at the last five years; The Western Daily Press looks at The Duke & Duchess of Cambridge’s 10 Best Moments in 5-Year Marriage
- The Telegraph’s ‘Kate’s Wedding Dress in Pictures’ feature is here
- The Daily Mail has a good feature on royal wedding gowns
Allie
Thursday 5th of May 2016
I loved seeing Harry lean over and whisper "Wait until you see her." Such an awesome moment between brothers! I hadn't planned on getting up that early but my husband left his work keys home and needed me to drive them to him so I ended up being awake anyway! Beautiful ceremony and she just looked so utterly flawless, a perfect fairy tale.
Susan
Friday 18th of May 2018
I've always wondered just what Harry was saying! Hey - did anyone see the moment Kate's veil was lifted behind her head?
Kathleen
Wednesday 4th of May 2016
This photo of Kate and Pippa arriving at the Goring Hotel the day before her wedding is most odd,I remember the original photo with her mother present,It appears Carol's body has been edited out of this photo but her feet remain!
admin
Wednesday 4th of May 2016
Thank you for mentioning that, I may just delete it because it it so bizarre. The problem is purchasing another, but I'd rather not have one at all I think. :)
Melanie
Sunday 1st of May 2016
Does anyone know how the train "hooked up" for the first reception, or did it just unhook under the sort of bustle-thing in the back? She doesn't seem to have the train in the receiving line and it seems like it would be too big and heavy to fold over and attach to her ...
ElizaMo
Sunday 1st of May 2016
I'll never forget watching Kate make her way up the aisle. While her face looked strained I was struck by her steady steps, making it clear that there was no way she wouldn't make it to the altar. And in the middle of it all she still managed to turn and smile at the congregation on her way there.
This remains my favourite wedding dress of all time and I appreciate taking another look at it. I love seeing the work at the back, the McQueen style flounces, how the train flares out, the fabulous embellishment on the fabric.
I was always struck at how daring the under-bodice was, a subtle sexy edge to a formal gown. Even given the modest covering of lace, the neckline was low, both front and back. The veil was superb, the way it hung was poetry in motion.
And the look on Mike Middleton's face says it all. I always felt that even if Kate had stopped half-way up the aisle and told her father she'd just changed her mind, that her family would support her all the way, no question. A world away from Diana's predicament.
Melanie
Sunday 1st of May 2016
Perfectly phrased!
Anne
Saturday 30th of April 2016
Kate is the cover girl for British Vogue's Centenary issue. http://www.vogue.co.uk/news/2016/04/30/duchess-of-cambridge-vogue-cover-catherine-centenary-issue